With one of the deepest character development games ever made and easy controls, the volleyball aspect of DOAX comes off without a hitch... Did I mention the "oh my God" looking graphics that will wow any console owner out there?

I never thought watching could be so engulfing. These models are truly extraordinary. The breasts are wonderful (along with teh shoulders, thighs, faces...) of course, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to model armpits? They are perfection. [Mar 2003, p.52]

It's an experience you will tire of. The volleyball is good, and fun. The girls are gorgeous. The music isn't annoying. And there's the two-player mode. But just like real volleyball, the whole experience can only remain fresh for so long.

Not only did Team Ninja make a game with the most beautiful virtual women of all time, but they also managed to make a fun game of volleyball, a solid gambling experience, and add social elements on top of it.

The volleyball is amazingly simple and compelling, while the rest of it has a tongue-in-cheek sensibility that knows exactly what it is - good cheescake fun with solid gameplay to back it up. [Mar 2003, p.72]

This game isn't about bumping balls, as the title suggests, but rather it's about kicking back and just having fun with little regard to competition or consequence. So from that perspective, DOAX is more like "Animal Crossing" than say Sega's "Beach Spikers."

The sharp graphics and advanced jiggle physics will no doubt prick the interest of lonely gamers, but surprisingly, the game's volleyball action is pretty solid. And that's the most important thing…right?

By departing from established videogame norms and offering an experience that is unfettered by restrictive goals and objectives, Tecmo has succeeded in evoking a supremely relaxing vacation atmosphere and producing a quite unique, and singularly satisfying game. [March 2003, p.86]

With a lavish, tropical setting (not a hurricane in sight) against which beautiful characters cavort, a vibrant reggae-themed soundtrack (you can rip your own tracks, too), and a piña colada atmosphere, DOAX is a flawed but guilty pleasure. [Feb 2003, p.58]

While I clearly had fun with the game, there's simply not much to it. The volleyball is definitely faster than "Beach Spikers," but the moves aren't as varied and once you've figured out how to win, victory becomes automatic.

After the first vacation I really did not want to play this game anymore. I had already gotten the top swimsuit (the Venus) and after that I felt that my time with this game was done unless I wanted to pick it up to play the volleyball again.

Its better than the second installement but still only good for 2-3 hours.

KevinB.

Jul 11, 2006

4

Well Kevin R..it would seem we have come to some kind of agreement...on a whim, my friend brought it over to my house for us to Well Kevin R..it would seem we have come to some kind of agreement...on a whim, my friend brought it over to my house for us to "play"...while I actually wanted to play some volleyball, he wanted just to sit there and play the lame mini games... i personally think real girls are hotter then polygons..but thats just me i guess...the volleyball aspect is alright...could have been better...confusing controls..the casino stuff was kinda cool for about 10 mins...but if you like fake women with HHH size boobs, knock yourself out...…Full Review »